Jonah is a classic example of how interconnected human beings and ecology are that the choices we make have a substantial impact on the entire ecosystem. Jonah typifies that our refusal to obey the will of God not only makes 𝐨𝐮𝐫 lives miserable but also the lives of people associated with us as well as the entire creation. (Jonah 1:4-5)
When Jonah finally relents to the will of God the personal transformation that ensues is staggering. Previously in the ship, Jonah addressed God as “𝐭𝐡𝐞 God of heaven” (1:9) but while suffering in the belly of the fish, he referred to God as “O Lord 𝐦𝐲 God” (2:6). This implies that whenever we concede with the will of God albeit we may suffer we certainly develop a much more personal and intimate relationship with Him.
Jonah is the only prophet to whom Christ overtly refers Himself to (Matt. 12:40). Just as Jonah was the only prophet sent to a Gentile nation so did the Incarnation of Christ elevate the Gentiles to His bridal status which His original bride (Israel) had reprimanded. Israel His former bride turns into a harlot at the foot of Mount Sinai being seduced by the golden calves (Ex. 32) while the Gentiles repent and receive the bridal status. St. Jacob of Serug identifies the thief on the cross as a representative of the new bride i.e. Church of the Gentiles.
Finally, it was the Ninevites who taught us the efficacy of fasting. Hence we sing in the Qolo of Tuesday 3rd hour of Nineveh Lent; “The Ninevites taught fasting to those who had discernment. They taught penitents to mourn and taught the debtors freedom. They paved the way for sinners to the door of God’s mercy.”
Ninevites through their fasting and repentance persuaded God to actually reveal what Jonah already knew of Him i.e. to be “compassionate and merciful.” (4:2)
~ 𝐃𝐚𝐲𝐫𝐨𝐲𝐨 𝐅𝐫. 𝐁𝐚𝐬𝐢𝐥
Urho, The Way 